Winter tires are great for drivers that are concerned about road traction. The average driver will step over the “grip limit” of their car several times during their daily commute to work or school. Each of those slippages could lead to a serious accident. With the help of winter tires, drivers can avoid these accidents.
When shopping for new tires, make sure to check the tread depth. You can purchase a tire tread gauge for under $5 at an auto parts store or ask a tire tech to measure the tread for free. A new tire should have 11/32nds of an inch of tread. If the tread is only 6/32nds of an inch, the tire isn’t suitable for winter driving.
Winter tires are designed to run at lower temperatures and have special tread compounds that are more aggressive. They are available for SUVs, trucks, and cars. For the best traction, comfort, and ride, winter tires should be installed on all four wheels of your car. Always replace your old tires with winter tires. In addition, winter tires can only be used in cold weather.
When temperatures dip below freezing, regular tires lose traction and grip. These tires use a different rubber compound that stays pliable in cold weather. That allows them to cling better to the road surface. In addition, winter tires have tread patterns that are wider and deeper than normal. This helps prevent your car from sliding on icy and snowy roads.
Top-quality winter tires are almost as good as original-equipment all-season tires. Tire Rack’s Rogers tests winter tires on a vehicle with an all-season tire as a baseline and was surprised when the winter tires matched it. When looking for new tires, it’s best to look for radial tires. These are known for their best performance.